16/6/2008School's team of united nations is top of the class
And the united talents of these 11 multi-national youngsters from Hillhead High School won them the title of Scottish under-15 basketball champions.
The team slam-dunked their way to an impressive victory against Largs Academy to taste glory in the contest held at Edinburgh University.
They come from nations as diverse as Libya, the Caribbean and Senegal, with some only having arrived in Glasgow a year ago. Only three were born in Scotland.
Retired teacher John Campbell coaches the team two or three times a week.
The 59-year-old has been fanatical about the game since he was a kid. And now he uses his passion to help pupils from all over the world.
Mr Campbell said: "Because the team are influenced by so many backgrounds there is less of an interest in football.
"The game cuts across any cultural borders. The boys gravitate towards basketball and take it seriously. There's a very strong team spirit.
"The boys practise ever day. I knew our hard work would pay off."
The success story of the Glasgow Globetrotters has been hailed as an example of team spirit uniting different cultures.
Bob Dalrymple, deputy head at Hillhead High, said: "We're phenomenally proud of them and of the work John does. He comes in to coach at least three times a week, sometimes more.
"We often receive comments about the boys' sportsmanship and conduct and that makes us immensely proud."
So, now meet the players who have put Hillhead on the map.
Amin Gholami, pictured right, 14, from Iran.
Armin came to Scotland from Iran aged two. Although Glasgow feels like home to him, a recent visit to his birthplace made him feel especially lucky to be part of the team. He said: "When I went to Iran last year it felt familiar to me, as if I knew it already.
"I like everything about being part of the team but winning was the best. Everybody was smiling. It was the best feeling ever."
Mohammed Othman, 14,
from Libya.
Mohammed arrived from Libya five years ago and has been working hard to make his family and friends proud. Having been in the team for four years, he was especially happy.
He said: "I was worried as we were losing but I pulled myself together and helped us win. I hope everyone is proud of me and the team."
Fazal Jawad, 14, Pakistan.
Fazal arrived at Hillhead High two years ago. Leaving Pakistan was a huge wrench for him, but he says basketball has made the move much easier.
He said: "I like it in Glasgow so much better now than my country. The school is better, the teachers are better and there's more opportunities.
"I've made a lot of friends through playing basketball."
Mohammed Gasiey, 14, parents from Libya.
One of only three of his teammates to be born in Scotland, Mohammed started playing in first year and credits Mr Campbell for his love of the sport.
He said: "I'm quite a good player now and it's all because of the way he teaches.
"He's calm and never shouts, but he knows what your weak points are and works to make you better. He motivates you."
Tresor Bessombi, 15, from Senegal.
Tresor came to Glasgow last year with his family. The French-speaker is quickly learning English and making friends with the aid of the team.
He said: "When I first came here I played basketball in PE a few times and Mr Campbell thought I was good. He asked me to join the team and now, because of him, I'm quite good. I feel like I am part of something good."
Richie Padda, 15, parents from India.
Richie has been playing basketball for three years, following in his big brother's footsteps. The Scots-born teenager saw how much his brother had gained from being on Mr Campbell's team and decided to give it a go.
He said: "I was so proud we won the trophy. It looked like we might lose but we battled back and won it for the school and Mr Campbell."
Joe Mungombe, 14, from DR Congo.
German-born Joe arrived last year having lived in Liberia, Senegal, the Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone with his missionary parents.
Joe believes playing basketball is helping him to settle at his latest school.
He said: "I love basketball. I love winning as a team. Also, when we lose, we lose together as friends. You're never on your own.
We proved to people we are committed. I feel like part of something good."
Khumbo Misanjo, 14, from Malawi.
Khumbo and his parents arrived from Africa four years ago. Settled in Bridgeton, Khumbo feels basketball has made Glasgow feel like home.
He said: "I miss my old home but I'm happy here now. The friends I've made from playing sport have helped me and it's fun to play as a team.
"Mr Campbell has helped me to develop my skills and now I feel I belong here."
Charles Holmes, 15, from Cameroon.
Charles was eager to make friends when he arrived in Glasgow two years ago. And since joining the basketball team he hasn't looked back.
He said: "Making my new friends is the best thing about playing and I feel like I fit in now. Being on the team makes me more confident."
Lewis Collins, 14, mother Caribbean/father Scottish.
Lewis also had an older brother on the team and decided to see if he also had what it takes.
He said: "It's like a lifestyle for me. I have to play every day.
"Playing gives me something to do and is better than hanging about the streets with pals. Hopefully Mr Campbell is proud of us but we're proud of ourselves."
Abdulmajid Spingher, pictured right, 15, from Afghanistan.
Abdulmajid came to Glasgow eight years ago with his family. He now thinks of Scotland as his home and was thrilled to win the trophy.
He said: "I can hardly remember what it's like to live anywhere else but Scotland.
"I love basketball because of the teamwork. We all have to make the effort to play together so it makes me
